Pattern sheet coding apparatus



y 1967 H. L. LOFLEN PATTERN SHEET CODING APPARATUS 5 Sheets$heet 1 Filed June 4, 1965 INVENTOR. HOWARD L.LOFLEN May 16, 1967 H. L. LOFLEN 3,319,881

PATTERN SHEET CODING APPARATUS Filed June 4, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

INVENTOR. 73 HOWARD L. LOFLEN y 1967 H. L. LOFLEN 3,319,881

PATTERN SHEET CODING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 4, 1965 INVENTOR. HOWARD L. LOFLEN I20 V. A.C. 60 m y 1967 H. L. LOFLEN PATTERN SHEET comm APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 4, 1965 Mum/m:-

May 16, 1967 H. L. LOFLEN 3,3

PATTERN SHEET CODING APPARATUS Filed June 4, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 PATTERN, SHEET INVENTOR. HOWARD L. LOFLEN United States Patent Ofiice 3,319,88l Patented May 16, 1967 3,319,881 PATTERN SHEET CODING APPARATUS Howard L. Loflen, Mount Airy, N.C., assignor to Pine State Knitwear Company, Mount Airy, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed June 4, 1965, Ser. No. 461,290 12 Claims. (Cl. 234-59) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention pertains to a novel mechanism for preparing knitting machine pattern sheets for perforator coding, these pattern sheets to be subsequently used in controlling the operation of knitting machines. More particularly, the present invention is offered as an improved and novel apparatus for the complete coding of an artistic or master design onto a conventionally used pattern sheet for a knitting machine by selective spacing and punch positioning operations.

History of the art In circular, independent needle, knitting machines such as, for example, the circular jacquard machines, one of which is illustrated in United States Patent 2,082,127, a plurality of selecting units are mounted about the machine cylinder and base each of which comprises among other parts, a drum and a pattern passing over and advanced by the drum. These patterns are in endless strip form having perforations adapted to align with a number of parallel slots cut in the drum. The drum is intermittently advanced carrying the pattern with it, and at each step the pattern is read by a series of selector levers having pattern feeding pins or the like, the selector levers if rendered effective by the pattern, acting by further infinence of a selector cam, to move a needle or other instrumentality as intended to affect the knitting of a pattern or to produce some other intended fabric variation.

There now exists in this field a variety of machines for preparing these pattern sheets to be used in the above described knitting machines. Essentially, this operation involves moving the endless strip or pattern sheet in close proximity to selectively positioned plural perforators to incorporate by the subsequent actuation of these perforators a desired pattern effect on this pattern sheet taken from a master design chart. It has been the conventional mode of operation for these machines to have an operator manually actuate particular perforators according to the design chart configuration by means of a positioning tool so that when one line of the master design chart is incorporated into the plurality of pattern perforators, these perforators may be simultaneously actuated to pierce the pattern sheet with a coding slot at those particular locations desired to achieve a knitted fabric pattern duplicating that displayed on the design chart. This method or sequence of operating the perforating or coding machine has the obvious disadvantage of being extremely susceptible to human error in that an operator must first look at a design chart for those spaces requiring a perforation and then turn to the perforator mechanism to actuate those particular punches that correspond to the perforations shown on the design chart. Since the pattern sheets, in one form, contain 32 spaces in a single line, an operator must continually look from the master design chart to the pattern sheet perforators to accomplish this duplication. Not only does this particular method involve a high percentage of error, it is an extremely tedious and tiring operation for the operator, and, consequently, this pattern sheet coding or perforating operation becomes a bottleneck within this particular area of the knitting operation.

One of the objectives of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages by a novel combination of parts and mode of operation which allows the operator to sit comfortably before an apparatus and refer only to the master design sheet prepositioned at a convenient location in order to duplicate a desired fabric design from the design chart to pattern sheets for perforator coding. The present invention also provides a faultfree indicator screen which will visually identify all of the operators previous selections so as to make obvious to that operator any errors or mistakes made during the duplicating of a single line of the master sheet. Since the perforators are not actuated until a full line is completed, error may be corrected prior to the perforation of prepositioned punches by simply repositioning erroneously placed punches.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a reliable apparatus for preparing knitting machine pattern sheets for perforator coding in order that these sheets will control knitting machines to knit fabrics having intricate and extensive patterns or designs.

Another object of the invention is that of providing a pattern coding machine that will automatically advance the coding operation an equivalent of one design needle stitch for each lateral spacing within a single lateral cycle.

Still another object of the invention is that of providing a pattern coding machine in a combination of electromechanical devices including an electrical punch operation key to advance a traverse slide across the master design chart in lateral needle stitch divisions the equivalent to corresponding design needle stitch divisions.

A further object is to provide a pattern coding ma chine with a traverse slide that will automatically return to the beginning of a new line on the master design chart at the termination of each lateral cycle.

Still another object is that of providing a pattern coding machine to automatically advance the master design chart located on a scanning platen to a new line at the termination of each lateral cycle.

Yet another object is that of employing a rapid coding apparatus to transfer a solid color appearing across an entire line of the master design chart onto a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforation coding.

Yet still another object of this invention is to provide a pattern coding machine of maximum flexibility that will delete errors, selectively punch position and selectively space according to operator needs.

Figure description These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the patterning and knitting arts from a consideration of the accompanying drawings constituting a part hereof in which like references or characters designate like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the space and punch operational keys under pushbutton control, the master design chart operation indicator, the line coding and spacer actuators, the rapid coding device, and the line delete switch all carried by the machine housing or console;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative simplified embodiment illustrating the machine housing or console carrying a tracer, space and punch operational keys and a rapid coding device;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a knitted garment embodying a preselected fabric design made by machines using the pattern coding sheets prepared for perforator coding by the present invention; 1

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary and enlarged plan view of two master design charts used in the preparation of the fabric in the garment of FIG. 3 showing the total width of 32 spaces representing 32 design needle stitches (each space representing one design needle stitch) and the selectively prepared markings on the charts indicating a space or a punch operation;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged front elevational view of the carriage assembly and the space and punch operation tracer and its physical relationship with the master design chart as the tracer moves laterally across the chart upon operator selection;

FIGS. 6a and 6b taken together and placed side by side constitute electro-mechanical wiring and operation diagrams of the electrical circuits and responsive mechanisms utilized in both embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional and enlarged side' elevational view of the space and punch operation indicator illustrating the manner in which window flags are positioned by operator actuation of the punch operation key or pushbutton;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary and enlarged front elevational view of the operation indicator of FIG. 7 showing a window flag indicating an operator selected punch operation, the flag having been moved to a raised position as seen through the indicator viewer;

FIG. 9 is an electro-mechanical diagram of the perforator positioning mechanism and associated solenoids for actuating the perforators after they are correctly posi tioned adjacent to the pattern sheets; and

FIG. 10 is a wiring diagram of the line delete circuit of the machine.

Detailed description In the following description, the several component units of the machine will be separately described, after which the complete operation of the machine will be set forth in connection with the explanation of the electromechanical and circuit diagrams, at which time the manner inwhich the various components are controlled to perform their functions will be set forth.

Referring to FIG. 1, the machine casing or console generally designated 12 is compactly designed to occupy a minimum of space and is structurally provided with a working surface 14 and sutficient'space beneath that surface 16 to allow an operator to be seated comfortably before the machine during operation. A master design chart generally designated 18 is positioned on the casing top or upper surface and fed through a carriage return and advancing mechanism 16. A spacer positioning key controlled by an actuating pushbutton 18 is mounted on working surface 14 directly in front of the position to be occupied by a seated operator and designated by the term SPACE; conveniently adjacent to spacer pushbutton 18 there is positioned a punch positioning key controlled by an actuating pushbutton 20 designated by the term PUNCH. Pushbuttons 18 and 20 are conventionally operated by merely depressing them to assure that their internal contacts later to be described in detail are firmly and positively made. The machines rapid coding operation, which will be described subsequently in detail, is operator-controlled by a graduated dial 22 rotatably fastened to the front panel of console 12. The graduations thereon range from positions 1 through 33 including an additional normal rest position which is so designed to simulate the particular positions along a single line of the master design sheet and pattern sheet. Pushbutton controls are also provided for a punch positioning operation 24 for an entire line, a space operation 26 for an entire line, and a line delete operation 28 for deleting all previously designated operations within a single line should an operator error occur so that this line may be begun again just as if the operator were starting a new line. The power supply switch represented by an off-on toggle switch 30 is mounted on working surface 14 of this preferred embodiment.

There is mounted on the casing upper surface 15 of this embodiment a visual indicator 32 showing all the previous punch or space operations effected by the operator within a single line. A tracer 34 moves along incrementally the master design chart 18 as the operator selectively codes a space or punch positioning operation. The carriage mechanism 16 is automatically controlled to advance the master design chart 18 to a new line for coding upon completion of the coding operation within the previous line. The stored portion 35 to be read of design chart 18 is carried on a roller 36 to assure that the master design chart 18 moves in perfect registry through the indicator housing 38 and carriage 16.

Since the apparatus herein described is specifically designed to position preselected pattern sheet perforators for a subsequent punching operation, the apparatus will be positioned as closely as possible to the conventional perforator supporting and actuating machines. An adjacent and convenient position 40 is illustrated in FIG. 1 so that control cable and conductor connections between these two devices may be most efficiently linked.

FIG. 2 represents an alternative embodiment of the present invention whereby the machine casing or console generally designated 42 has a working surface 44 and sufficient space beneath that surface 46 to accommodate a seated operator. The master design chart 18 is positioned on surface 44 and fed through the console at gate 48 so as to register precisely beneath tracer 50. A convenient hinged flap 52 having a handle 54 for manual manipulation is provided to expedite maintenance and inspection procedures. The power supply is controlled by an onoif toggle switch 56 mounted on surface 44 for operator control.

The space positioning -key 58 is displaceably mounted slightly above working surface 44 directly in front of the position to be occupied by a seated operator and designated by the letter S. Parallel and adjacent to key 58 there is displaceably mounted a punch operation key 60 designated by the letter P. Keys 58 and 60 are conventionally operated by merely depressing or displacing them downwardly for approximately one-half inch to assure that the internal contacts are positively engaged.

This alternative embodiment also offers the rapid coding operation, later to be described, which is operatorcontrolled by a graduated dial 62 rotatably secured to the front panel 64 of casing 42. The graduations on dial 62 correspond to those described for the rapid coding device 22 of the preferred embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIG. 1. Again, an adjacent perforating unit 66 is shown in broken lines to indicate the ease with which it may be adjoined to this particular embodiment of the coding machine.

a FIG. 4 illustrates in detail two master design charts 18, these, when combined, carrying or displaying the particular design utilized in the fabrication of the sweater shown in FIG. 3. A master design chart 18 is comprised of thirty-two (32) channels or wales each channel representing one design needle stitch and being designated generally with reference character 66, and a sufficient number of lines or courses each line or course being designated by reference character 68 to cause a knitting machine to fabricate whatever garment or fabric is desired from prepared pattern sheets corresponding with the course or Wale construction illustrated on the design charts 18. Whenever it is desired that there be a stitch formed of one particular color in the knitted fabric different from the other knitted portion of the fabric, a space within a particular channel can be either skipped or perforated. For example, consider that the coding of a pattern sheet for a knitting machine has progressed to line three (3) of right hand design chart A of FIG. 4, and the pattern sheet is now to be coded according to those markings along line three (3) of chart A. As the tracer 34 moves intermittently from channel to channel along line three (3), the operator is positioning a space or punch positioning operation according to that preselected design. Channels one (1) through ten call for a spacing or unperforated operation since they have not been marked or designated chart A. Channel eleven (11), however, is so marked, and at this position the operator will code a punch positioning operation by depressing pushbutton 20. This will in turn cause a punch in the perforating machine to be positioned adjacent to the included pattern sheet so that it may perforate that sheet upon actuation. Channels eleven (11), twelve (12), thirteen (l3) and so on all call for a punch operation by the operator so as to position similar pattern sheet perforators adjacent to that pattern sheet for perforation upon actuation. Thus it can be seen that the operation with respect to design chart A is a matter of duplicating or copying the preselected designs manually placed on that chart by a designer so that the coding machine will position perforators to code pattern sheets for use in actuating knitting instrumentalities.

Note that there is a left margin of two channel spaces and 71 and a right margin of two additional channel spaces 72 and 73. The function, operation and necessity of these additional marginal spaces will be more specifically explained later in conjunction with the circuit construction and operation.

The diamonds 74 and vertical stripes 75 within the fabric design of sweater 65 illustrate the application of coding perforation pattern sheets to be described subsequently for controlling instrumentalities on knitting machines consistent with a master design chart so that the knitting instrumentalities will produce a fabric with preselected yarns for forming the contrasting colored stitches to produce the desired pattern configuration.

The carriage illustrated in FIG. 5 and generally designated 16 is of the type conventionally used with mechanical and electric typewriters and provides for selective lineal displacement of a registered master design chart 18, this registration accomplished by conventional perforations 76 along both borders of design chart 18 to be engaged by protruding teeth 78 aflixed to a cylinder 81} of carriage assembly 16 for positively moving chart 18 lineally upon carriage actuation and rotation. The carriage 16 is supported by and secured to console upper surface 15 by upstanding support yokes or bearings 82, and a cylinder support shaft 84 carries a notched engag ing disk or rachet 86 for receiving a displacing pawl A manual positioning wheel 90 provides the versatility needed for operator manipulation should the circumstances of a particular application so dictate.

The tracer 34 advances laterally from the left or proximal position 9 2 in channel, Wale or design needle stitch increments across the design chart 1% to the right or distal position 94 as the operator selects a spacing or perforator positioning operation. The detailed operational steps illustrating this incremental movement of tracer 34 will be explained in conjunction with the circuit diagrams and the various related electio-mechanical features.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate a visual recording space and punch operation indicator 32 actuated by movement of tracer 34 and its carrying traverse slide mechanism 96, and is provided to detect operator error since it leaves a record of each operational step made during the coding of a single design sheet line 63. A plurality of flags generally designated 98 are positioned before a viewing window 100 and these flags have a white or uncolored top or upper portion 102 and a colored lower portion 104 which lower portion will be prominently displayed through window 100 when the flags are in a raised position. Therefore, if a flag remains lowered and the upper or uncolored portion is displayed through Window 100, this indicates that for that particular channel of the design chart there has been an operator selected spacing operation, and when the flag has been raised and the colored portion is displayed through the window, there 6 has been in turn effected a punch positioning operation.

The mechanical feature that will raise flags 98 to display the colored portion 104 through window 100 is illustrated more particularly in FIG. 7 where there is shown a bell crank 195 pivotally mounted at fulcrum 1% and extending beneath punch pushbutton 20. When this pushbutton is depressed by the operator to effect a perforating positioning operation, bell crank 105 pivots and its upturned end 108 carrying a horizontal rod engaging bar 109 moves a pivotally secured riser rod 110, which is yieldably biased by means of the torsion spring 99 at one end of rod 110, upwardly to engage the lower inclined surface 111 of flag 93. Since riser rod is secured to the transfer slide 96 which also carries indicator 34, riser rod 119 will move beneath the particular operating channel coinciding with the channel shown by indicator 34. Flags 98, when raised, will be maintained by a frictional clamp 112 until a force is applied in a downward direction to overcome the retaining effect of that friction. A solenoid 114 whose particular actuation and operation will be described later in more detail in conjunction with the circuit diagrams, pivots an upper ell crank 116 and causes a carried horizontal rod 118 to descend so as to contact the upper horizontally bent edge 12% of flag 98. This solenoid 114 is selectively operated by engaging pushbutton 28 when there has been an error and the operator wishes to delete those earlier efiected operations in order to begin this same line again. Actuating solenoid 114 will simultaneously energize solenoid 232 thereby disengaging slide 95 and enabling rod 110 to return with pointer 34 to the proximal portion 92. When horizontal rod 118 is urged downwardly by the pivotal action of bell crank 116, all those previously raised flags 98 will be engaged by rod 118 and depressed to their lowered position. When the operator has completed without error the coding for an entire line of the design chart, the indicator 34 and traverse slide 96 will be returned to its starting proximal position 92 and as a part of that return operation, solenoid 114 is actuated to return all raised flags to their lowered position.

The single perforator positioning mechanism illustrated in FIG. 9 is comprised of a series of cooperating linkages displaced by the operation of a solenoid 122 which draws a flexible shaft 124 through a similarly flexible cable 126. Note that there are provided thirty-two (32) such mechanisms, one for each pattern position and its corresponding design needle stitch or channel 66. The linkage assembly comprises a pattern sheet perforator 128 which is in actuality a part of a related machine and not claimed within the scope of this invention, and a horizontal perforator pivot rod 138 resiliently maintained in a raised position by a spring 132. A retaining fiange 134 retains all perforator rods at the same raised position. A rod wedge linkage 136 having a rearwardly projecting l-ug 137 is pivoted about fixed point 138 and is yieldably maintained out of contact with rod 130 by latch member 141). A lug retaining projection 141 cooperatively engages lug 137 to maintain the rod wedge linkage 136 in the inactive portion shown in full line in FIG. 9. Latch member 149 is pivoted about fixed point 142 and is secured to cable 124 for operable movement therewith. When solenoid 122 is actuated by an operator actuated punch positioning operation, latch 14% is disengaged from wedge linkage 136 (see arrow), and this allows linkage 136 to be drawn by a spring 144 to a position beneath and contiguous to horizontal bar 139 thus providing a fulcrum 146 at the point of contact. An eccentric cam 148 rotates (see arrow) about fixed shaft 159 against the upper edge of rod 130 and depresses that rod and its connected perforator 128 to perforate pattern sheet 152 at the appropriate time and location. The operation of cam 148 is controlled by a motor and clutch assembly 154 (see FIG. 6a) and is preferably wired to actuate the perforating operation as the indicator moves into marginal channel 73 at its distal position 94.

When it is desired to delete performed space or punch positioning operations within a single line, solenoid 156 is energized and will displace triggering linkage 158, which is resiliently urged against stop 160 by spring 162, in a direction (see arrow) that will pivot wedge linkage 136 away from contact point 146 to engagement with latch member 140 for retention thereby. Any number of satisfactory arrangements of cooperating linkages could be used in lieu of that illustrated in PEG. 9 so long as the perforating and restoration operations are reliably actuated by solenoids 122 and 156. The perforating and restoration apparatus is described for illustrative purposes only and devices of this type may be conventional.

The operation of the circuit diagram will now be explained with particular reference to a representative example so that the electrical and electro-mechanical features incorporated in FIGS. 6a and 6b can be best explained with reference to those particular features already described in detail. Referring now particularly to FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the present invention utilizes a standard 120 volt 60 cycle AC. power supply 164 appropriately fused 166 on the source side of the off-on toggle switch 30. Directly connected to the main line power supply are 120 volt electric motors 16S and 170, each being protectively fused 172 on their source side. These motors represent the drive mechanisms of the traverse slide 96 on which there is a plurality of uniformly spaced-apart teeth 97 with each tooth corresponding to a channel, and the pattern sheet perforators 128. Also wired directly to the power supply are step down transformers 174 and 178 having a primary voltage of 120 volts and a secondary or low side voltage of 24 volts. This provides a smaller safer AC. voltage for the operation and maintenance of the various relays and operator controls within the coding apparatus. These transformers are appropriately fused 173 on their high voltage side to provide maximum protection for their operation.

Since an operator beginning the coding process finds the indicator 34 positioned in the first marginal channel 70 (or proximal position 92) of the design chart 18, this indicator must be moved through the two marginal channels, 70 and 71, before initial coding channel or Wale one (1) is encountered. This is accomplished by having the operator depress the space pushbutton 18 which is at a positive potential of 24 volts by virtue of its wired connection through switch 180, normally closed contacts 182, and rapid coding device wiper arm 184 which is tied directly to the secondary of transformer 174. When key 38 is depressed and engages contact 186, a circuit is completed through relay 188 and limit switch 190 which is normally closed. As relay 188 is energized, contacts 192 and 194 are closed to establish separate energized circuits. When contact 192 closes, an alternative circuit for maintaining relay 188 in an energized state is created from a connection made to key 18 through contact 192 and into one side of relay 188. This offers the advantage of allowing relay 188 to remain energized even after the operator has released key 38 from engagement with contact 186. When the energized relay 188 closes contact 194, a circuit is made from the primary side of transformer 174 through contact 194 and into one side of solenoid 196 which is grounded thus energizing that solenoid and displacing member 1 8 within the magnetic field of the solenoid and engaging clutch 200 (see arrow) to affect the positive rotation of shaft 202. An eccentric cam 204 is secured to shaft 202 for rotation therewith and revolvingly supports a pivotally secured pawl advancing member 206 which is fastened away from the pivot point 202 of cam 204 in order to provide oscillatory or reciprocatory lateral motion (see arrow) as cam 204 is rotated, that motion being effective to move traverse slide advancing pawl 208 in a slide advancing position (see arrow). Pawl 208 is in link form and is pivotally secured to member 206, thus being advanced in a lateral direction when the rotation of shaft 202 pulls member 206 accordingly. Pawl 208 is carried by and pivoted about pivot point 210 intermediate the length of pawl 208 and upon rotation of shaft 202 and its carried cam 204, the reciprocatory movement of horizontal member 206 will cause the slide engaging pawl 207 of member 208 to displace traverse slide 96 laterally for a sufficient distance to enable pawl stop member 212 to ratchet from a first securing notch 211 on traverse slide 96 back to a preceding notch 213 in order to hold slide 96 while pawl 203 returns to a preceding notch 215 in anticipation of again urging slide 94 laterally to the right. A connecting link 2114 joins pawl members 208 and 212 and has a slotted aperture 217. A stud 219 secured to pawl stop member 212 is cooperatively received within the slot 217 limiting pivotal movement of member 212 to a single tooth displacement but providing member 212 with sufficient freedom of movement to be retained within the receiving recess 211 between adjacent teeth of slide 96 while member 208 is disengaged.

Cam 204 has a second and equally important function in that its lobe 216 will open normally closed contact 218 as that lobe is urged against follower arm 220 while cam 204 is rotated by shaft 202. When contact 218 is open and thus becomes de-energized, relay 188 is also de-energized because of circuit discontinuity, and this will in turn de-energize solenoid 196 and disengage clutch 200. This will terminate the rotation of shaft 202 and cam 204 in a position substantially as illustrated in FIG. 6b. Note that follower arm 220 has moved off of cam lobe 216 so as to close contact 218 and prepare it for the next spacing cycle. The tension of spring 222 causes cam 204 to be urged into the dead-center position where contact 218 will close since the ofiset pivot point connection between member 206 and 204 will then align itself with shaft center 202. As a result of the de-energization of relay 188, contacts 192 and 194 are re-opened and remain in that state until another coding cycle.

Traverse slide 96 has an upper rack portion 224 with spaced-apart rack teeth 225 along its upper edge, which teeth will mesh with teeth 227 on pinion 226 when the slide is incrementally advanced revolving pinion 226 incrementally. Since wiper 228 is rigidly secured to pinion 226 for positive rotation therewith, movement of slide 96 through one Wale or channel will move pinion 226 one notch and consequently displace wiper 228 one numbered channel or wale position thereon. The designated channel position on the wiper assembly is electrically wired to relays operating the punch positioning devices represented by that particular channel number. The circuit to all such relays must be made through punch pushbutton 20 unless the circuit is actuated through wiper 184 of the rapid coding device.

Slide 96 carries an integral and vertically extending traced 34 which will move to indicate the channel position as described above when the slide is displaced. There is attached to slide 96 a weight 230 and pulley 232 arrangement or the equivalent for resiliently urging the slide mechanism to the proximal or beginning position 92. This constant force or urging of slide 96 against lateral displacement toward distal position 94 makes possible the operation of pawl members 208 and 212 as they are displaced and incrementally move the slide against this constantly exerted force.

In FIG. 6b, slide 96' is shown positioned in the second marginal channel 71 since we have previously moved the slide from its point of origin or proximal position 92 corresponding to marginal position 70 by a spacing operation. As the slide is aligned in channel 71, contacts 234 and 236 are closed. These contacts will be discussed more specifically when the reverse and reset operation of slide 96 is explained.

The operator will now depress space pushbutton 18 to move the slide and tracer from the second marginal channel 71 to the first design chart channel one (1) for interpretive coding. This is performed precisely as the first described spacing operation and will not be repeated, since the design chart 18 carried by carriage 16 in FIG. 6b designates spacing operations for the first ten channels on that chart, and this operation is also performed precisely as described for the initial spacing of the marginal channels 70 and 71.

Since channel eleven (11) of the design chart 18 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 611 indicates a punch positioning operation, the operator will depress punch pushbutton 20 closing a circuit at contact 240. The circuit then extends from the secondary side of transformer 174 through Wiper 184 of the rapid coding device, through contact 182 which is normally closed, through contact 180 which is also normally closed, through contact 242 again a normally closed contact and into and through wiper arm 228. From that assembly, the circuit continues through relay 244 which represents the punch controlling relay for channel eleven (11) which positions the particular channel punch (eleven in this instance) corresponding to punch 12.8 in FIG. 9. In FIG. 6b there are illustrated relays R1, R2 and R11 and control solenoids for the first, second and eleventh channels, and they may be used at this point to illustrate further the punch positioning operation shown in FIG. 9. Note that though only three channel circuits are illustrated, each of the contained 32 channels have duplicate components and are identical with those channels illustrated. They have been omitted from the drawing only because of space requirements and need not be duplicated to facilitate an understanding.

The energization of relay 244 (R11) closes contacts 248 and 250 and these contacts in turn complete additional circuits. The circuit completed when contact 248 is closed directly energizes solenoid 246 (S11) which then operates, as does solenoid 122 (S1) in FIG. 9, to position for perforation the particular channel punch corresponding to punch 128 in that figure. Contact 250, when closed, energizes relay 251 which will in turn close contacts 252 and 254. The circuit completed when contact 252 is closed is merely another holding circuit for maintaining relay 251 in an energized state even though the operator may release pushbutton 20. The circuit completed by the closing of contact 254 will energize relay 188 just as in the space cycle so as to cause slide 96 to advance one channel or wale after the punch positioning operation has been completed.

Thus an operator will observe design chart 18 and perform coding operations as indicated by that chart as slide 96 and its carried tracer 34 advances laterally from positions 92 and 94 across a design sheet line 68. The operator will be required to space or punch depending upon the particular channel designs or markings within a line of the chart. Throughout the entire length of one line (32 channels or wales) there may be any number of variations possible depending upon the particular design desired by the designer within the limits of the knitting machine.

When traverse slide 96 has moved through the v32 channels and all coding designations or punch positionings have been completed for a particular line 68, the operator must continue with two additional spacing operations in order to traverse marginal channels 72 and 73 on the distal side of design chart 18 as previously described for channels 70 and 71. As the slide moves to the channel 73, it displaces plural microswitches generally designated 256 and causes contacts 258 and 260 to be made. When contact 258 is made, a circuit is completed through relay 262 energizing that relay and making contacts 264 and 266. Contact 264 creates a holding circuit for relay 262 to retain that relay in an energized condition even after contact 258 is opened. The circuit created by the closing of contact 266 energizes solenoid 268 which, through a clutch arrangement 27 0, of the type earlier described which does not constitute a part of this invention, rotates shaft 150 and cam 148 and actuates all preselected perforators similar to that perforator designated 128 in FIG. 9. Additionally, the closing of contact 266 creates a circuit to solenoid 272 which will urge pawl 88 against an engag ing notch 87 in ratchet 86 of carriage assembly 16 thus rotating that carriage and moving the design chart 18 linearly or upward the width of a single line 68. Spring 274 will quickly restore pawl 88 to its normal position as shown in FIG. 6a upon de-energiz'ation of solenoid 272. A spring biased pivoted roller locking link 89 releasably engages ratchet notch 87 on ratchet wheel 86 to prevent free rotation of roller 80.

The circuit created when slide 96 closes contact 260 energizes relay 276 which in turn opens normally closed contact 182 and energizes relay 276 which in turn opens normally closed contact 182 and closes contacts 278 and 280. Contact 278 completes a hold circuit for relay 276, while contact 280 energizes solenoid 282 which displaces its pivotally connected plunger 284 and lifts the attached pawls 208 and 212 away and clear of the notches formed between the slide teeth 97 of slide 96. A cable 231 fastened at one end to weight 230 and at the other end to slide 96 and guided over pulley 232 then serve as a return for slide 96 from the distal position 94 to the proximal position 92 of chart 18 (see FIG. 5). As slide 96 reaches its proximal position 92, a micro-switch generally designated 286 is actuated and contacts 234 and 236 are opened and de-energized. The circuit containing contact 234 serves merely to hold relay 276 in an energized state, and when this contact is opened, that relay is de-energized. The de-energization of relay 276 opens its contacts 278 and 280 thus de-energizing solenoid 282 and allowing the slide engaging and traversing pawls 208 and 212 to return to the notches formed between slide teeth 97 along the lower edge of slide 96. Upon the return of slide 96, pinion 226 is rotated by rack notches 225 to its initial or beginning position.

From the above description, the operator has carried the operation of the coding procedure through an entire line 68 of design chart 18 and has returned the slide to its proximal or original position 92. During the course of this return, the carriage registering chart 18 has been advanced one line so as to prepare for another cycle of coding.

If the operator, after having performed a portion of the coding operation of one design chart line, finds that there has been a mistake made in that coding or perforator positioning, it is then possible to delete all operations previously performed in that line and recycle the machine to begin that same line anew. This is accomplished by depressing the line delete pushbutton 28 shown in detail in FIG. 10. The closing of this switch energizes relay 276 which in turn closes contacts 278 and 280 and opens contact 182. Contact 280, when closed, completes a circuit to energize solenoid 282 and solenoid 156 along with solenoid 114. Solenoid 282 will lift the slide engaging and advancing pawls 208 and 212 from the notches formed between adjacent teeth 97 along the lower edge of slide 96 and allow the slide to return to its proximal or original position 92 as it is urged in that direction by the pull of weight 230. Solenoid 156 Will restore all those prepositioned perforators similar to 128 as shown in FIG. 9 and place them in a non-activated state ready for subsequent selective positioning. Solenoid 114 will lower all raised flags 96 designating a coded punch position. This has been previously described in detail and is best considered from the illustrations in FIGS. 7 and 8. Note that there is no energization of relay 262 and therefore the carriage advancing assembly is not operative. The operator now has returned the coding machine to its proximal position in the same line and is ready for full duplication of that particular line in which there was made an earlier mistake.

Occasionally thev master design chart 18 will show only spaces throughout the entire length of a particular line. In other words, there is no punch positioning operation to be performed within that line since there is to be a continuous and single colored line of stitches within the knitted fabric. It is by far the most expedient procedure for the operator to then have some means for simply advancing the design chart to the next line since there will be no need for a perforation within the presently considered line. This is best accomplished by means of a line space pushbutton 26 placed conveniently on the working surface of the console as previously shown and described in FIG. 1. When pushbutton 26 is closed, contact 288 completes a circuit from the primary side of motor 170 through solenoid 272 to energize that solenoid and cause pawl 88 to advance carriage assembly 16 by one line or course. The advantages and convenience of such a circuit makes possible a more expeditious procedure for an operator to follow since there would be no need to register a space by actuating pushbutton 18 for all 32 channels.

There is provided an additional contact 290 mounted within the switch structure of pushbutton 18 which is common to a similar contact 292 mounted within the switch structure of punch pushbutton 20 which provides some additional flexibility in the operation of these switches in that upon depression of either, the respective contacts are closed and complete a circuit to relay 188. This will maintain that relay in an energized state while either button is depressed. This allows the operator to hold a button continually in the depressed or activated position and allow motor 168 to rotate cam 204 for a preselected number of cycles within one course or line. As was described earlier, the operation of either button 18 and 20 will normally only allow that cam to rotate for one revolution since its lobe 216 will de-energize contact 218 as it rides against follower 220 and thus completely de-energize all Working circuits. This provides an expedient over the normal operation of depressing and releasing the buttons for each channel position. Should chart 18 show fifteen consecutive spaces, the operator has merely to depress and hold button 18 until tracer 34 has advanced those spaces. Operator con trol can be perfected with a minimum of training with this additional circuit.

In the event that design chart 18 shows all 32 channels to be punch positioned for subsequent perforator coding, then there is provided a rapid coding device generally designated 22 and operationally positioned for access as shown in FIG. 1. This device merely represents a bypass switch which will selectively energize the controlling relays for the various punch positioning solenoids and is manually displaced at a much more rapid rate than could be accomplished by individual pushbutton perforator positioning or sustained pushbutton depression as previously described. Wiper 184 constantly maintains a positive potential and, when selectively rotated to terminals wired directly to the punch positioning control relays for individual channels, completes a circuit to that particular relay and consequently activates and positions the designated perforator for subsequent punching as was earlier described in a representative circuit and mechanical configuration for channel 11 in FIG. 9.

The alternative embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2 is a simplified version of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 and is without many of the components carried by that embodiment. Rather than a space pushbutton 18 as is contained in FIG. 1, the simplified version of the coding machine has only a space key 58 for operator manipulation. Similarly, a punch positioning key 60 has replaced the punch positioning pushbutton of the preferred concept. The rapid coding feature 62 is retained and corresponds precisely to the coding device 22 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. The carriage assembly 16 and visual coding indicator 32 used in conjunction with the primary embodiment of the present invention are omitted in the simplified version of FIG. 2, and the design chart 18 is manually advanced through opening 48 so that indicator 50 which corresponds to indicator 34 of the preferred embodiment may be used for visual comparison by the operator. The line delete button 28, the line space button 26, and the line code button 24 have all been omitted. The circuit diagram for this simplified version of the coding machine is precisely that illustrated in FIG. 6a and FIG. 612 except that those previously mentioned features have been electrically and electro-mechanically omitted.

It is to be particularly noted at this juncture that the related punch carrying mechanism such as illustrated in FIG. 9 is presented for illustrative purposes only and are not claimed as a part of the present invention. No representation is made that these mechanisms are constructed as detailed in this description, and they are presented merely to show a working and cooperating relationship with these elements and components of the present concept.

Claims There has now been described electrically and mechanically a pattern coding machine having a high degree of flexibility because of correcting, bypassing, carriage return and advancing features. This apparatus comprises a novel arrangement of the various electro-mechanical features illustrated and replaces an extremely time consuming, laborious and inaccurate operating procedure. Obviously, many modifications and variations may be made in the construction and arrangement of the mechanical components as Well as the electrical circuits and circuit elements and as well as the other phases of the present inventive concept in the light of the above teachings without departing from the real spirit and purpose of this invention. Such modifications of parts and alternatives as well as the use of mechanical equivalents to those herein illustrated and described are reasonably included and modifications are contemplated.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked osition for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequent 1y controlling knit-ting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide laterally movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having an integral tracer to visually indicate said slide position with respect to said design chart lines and channels; a space key and a punch positioning key operable with said slide, said space key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation and said punch positioning key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation while simultaneously directing a selected perforator proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit; per'forator restoration means for selectively withdrawing proximately positioned perforators from said pattern sheet to prevent subsequent perforation; recording indicator means operatively connected to said slide and said punch positioning key, said means visually indicating and retaining operator-performed space key and punch positioning key actuations until said slide moves from said proximal to said distal limit; a carriage displacing pawl operable with said carriage for the rotational displacement thereof; means for displacing said pawl to rotate said carriage and said chart a preselected distance; and means for positioning all perforators proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation whereby a master design chart containing a de- 13 sign pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to eifect the positioning of predetermined punches proximate a .pattern sheet for a knitting machine for subsequent perforator coding.

2. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted Wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having a tracer to visually indicate said slide position relative to said design chart stitch configuration; a space key and a punch positioning key operatively connected with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally upon actuation positioning a selected perforator adjacent said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit; and means for positioning all perforators proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to effect the positioning of selective punches adjacent a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforator coding.

3. An apparatus for transforming a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide laterally movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having an integral tracer to visually indicate said slide position with respect to said design chart, said chart having a plurality of tracer positions and preselected stitches indicated on said positions; a space key and a punch positioning key operable with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally and simultaneously upon actuation directing a selected perforator proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; slide return 'means for displacing said slide and tracer from a tracer position to said proximal limit; recording indicator means operatively connected to said slide and said punch positioning key, said means visually indicating and retaining for a predetermined period of time operator-performed space and punch positioning actuations; a carriage guidably supporting said design chart proximate said tracer; a carriage displacing pawl operable with said carriage for the rotational displacement thereof; means for displacing said pawl to rotate said carriage and said chart a preselected distance; and means for positioning :all perforators proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space and punch positioning opera- 14 tions to effect the positioning of predetermined punches proximate a pattern sheet for a knitting machine for subsequent perforator coding.

4. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted Wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near -a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide laterally movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having an integral tracer to visually indicate said slide position with respect to said design chart, said chart having a plurality of tracer positions and preselected stitches indicated on said positions; a space key and a punch positioning key operable with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally and simultaneously upon actuation directing a selected perforator proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer from a tracer position to said proximal limit; perforator restoration means for selectively withdrawing proximately positioned perforators from said pattern sheet to prevent subsequent perforation; recording indicator means operatively connected to said slide and said punch positioning key, said. means visually indicating and retaining for a predetermined period of time operator-performed space and punch positioning actuations; a carriage guidably supporting said design chart proximate said tracer and means for positioning all perforators proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space and punch positioning operations to efiect the positioning of predetermined punches proximate a pattern sheet for a knitting machine for subsequent perforator coding.

5. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted Wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide movable between proxirnal and distal limits, said slide having means to visually indicate said slide position relative to said design chart stitch pattern; a space key and a punch positioning key operatively connected with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally upon actuation directing a selected perforator adjacent said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; and slide 'return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to effect the positioning of a predetermined number of punches adjacent a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforator coding.

6. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having a tracer to visually indicate said slide position relative to said stitch pattern formed by said design chart lines and channels; a space key and a punch positioning key operatively connected with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally upon actuation positioning a selected perforator adjacent said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit; and means for positioning all perforators proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation more rapidly than by actuating said punch positioning key to position each perforator whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to effect the positioning of selective punches adjacent a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforator coding of that pattern sheet.

7. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitted instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having a tracer to visually indicate said slide position relative to said design chart stitch configuration; a space key and a punch positioning key operatively connected with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally upon actuation positioning a selected perforator adjacent said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; and slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to effect the positioning of selective punches adjacent a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforator coding.

8. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide laterally movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having an integral tracer to visually indicate said slide position with respect to said design chart lines and charts and said stitch pattern formed thereon; a space key and a punch positioning key operable with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally and simultaneously upon actuation directing a selected perforator proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation of said sheet; slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit; perforator restoration means for selectively withdrawing proximately positioned perforators from said pattern sheet to prevent subsequent perforation of said sheet; recording indicator means operatively connected to said slide and said punch positioning key, said means visually indicating and retaining for a predetermined interval operator-performed space key and punch positioning key actuations; a carriage guidably supporting said design chart lines and channels proximate said tracer; means operable with said carriage for the rotational displacement thereof; and means for positioning all perforators proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to effect the positioning of predetermined punches proximate a knitting machine pattern sheet for the subsequent perforator coding of that machine.

9. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having means to indicate said slide position relative to said design chart stitch pattern; a space key and a punch positioning key operatively connected with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally upon actuation directing a selected perforator adjacent said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; and slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to effect the positioning of a predetermined number of punches adjacent a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforator coding.

10. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide laterally movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having an integral tracer to visually indicate said slide position with respect to said design chart, said chart having a plurality of tracer positions and preselected stitches indicated on said positions; a space key and a punch positioning key operable with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally and simultaneously upon actuation directing a selected perforator proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer from a tracer position to said proximal limit; perforator restoration means for selectively withdrawing proximately positioned perforators from said pattern sheet to prevent subsequent perforation; recording indicator means operatively connected to said slide and said punch positioning key, said means visually indicating and retaining for a predetermined period of time operator-performed space and punch positioning key actuations; means for clearing said indicator of visually retained indications of operator-performed space and punch positioning actuations; a carriage guidably supporting said design chart proximate said tracer; a carriage displacing pawl operable with said carriage for the rotational displacement thereof; means for displacing said pawl to rotate said carriage and said chart a preselected distance; and means for positioning all perforators proximate said pat-tem sheet for subsequent perforation whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space and punch positioning operations to eifect the positioning of predetermined punches proximate a pattern sheet for a knitting machine for subsequent perforator coding.

11. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator coding of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having means to visually indicate said slide position relative to said design chart stitch pattern; a space key and a punch positioning key operatively connected With said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally upon actuation directing a selected perforator adjacent said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; and slide re-turn means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to eifect the positioning of a predetermined number of punches adjacent a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforator coding.

12. An apparatus for transferring a pattern from a master design chart formed by lines corresponding to knitted courses and channels corresponding to knitted wales to a knitting machine pattern sheet by transmitting the intelligence conveyed by the form and arrangement of these lines and channels to a plurality of remote punches near a knitting machine pattern sheet in a cocked position for subsequent actuation and perforator codin of the pattern sheet, this sheet simulating the master design chart stitch pattern when perforator coded and subsequently controlling knitting instrumentalities that will knit fabrics having colored stitches duplicating the stitch patterns formed on the master design chart, said apparatus comprising in combination: a traverse slide movable between proximal and distal limits, said slide having a tracer to visually indicate said slide position relative to said design chart stitch configuration; a space key and a punch positioning key operatively connected with said slide, each key being effective to displace said slide incrementally upon actuation, said punch positioning key additionally upon actuation positioning -a selected perforator adjacent said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation; slide return means for displacing said slide and tracer to said proximal limit; and means for positioning all perforators proximate said pattern sheet for subsequent perforation independent of said slide and said punch positioning key whereby a master design chart containing a design pattern for a knitted fabric is visually compared and simulated by selective space key and punch positioning key operations to effect the positioning of selective punches adjacent a knitting machine pattern sheet for subsequent perforator coding.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1930 Kurowski et al 234-91 6/1957 Johnson 23459 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING A PATTERN FROM A MASTER DESIGN CHART FORMED BY LINES CORRESPONDING TO KNITTED COURSES AND CHANNELS CORRESPONDING TO KNITTED WALES TO A KNITTING MACHINE PATTERN SHEET BY TRANSMITTING THE INTELLIGENCE CONVEYED BY THE FORM AND ARRANGEMENT OF THESE LINES AND CHANNELS TO A PLURALITY OF REMOTE PUNCHES NEAR A KNITTING MACHINE PATTERN SHEET IN A COCKED POSITION FOR SUBSEQUENT ACTUATION AND PERFORATOR CODING OF THE PATTERN SHEET, THIS SHEET SIMULATING THE MASTER DESIGN CHART STITCH PATTERN WHEN PERFORATOR CODED AND SUBSEQUENTLY CONTROLLING KNITTING INSTRUMENTALITIES WILL KNIT FABRICS HAVING COLORED STITCHES DUPLICATING THE STITCH PATTERNS FORMED ON THE MASTER DESIGN CHART, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: A TRAVERSE SLIDE LATERALLY MOVABLE BETWEEN PROXIMAL AND DISTAL LIMITS, SAID SLIDE HAVING AN INTEGRAL TRACER TO VISUALLY INDICATE SAID SLIDE POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID DESIGN CHART LINES AND CHANNELS; A SPACE KEY AND A PUNCH POSITIONING KEY OPERABLE WITH SAID SLIDE, SAID SPACE KEY BEING EFFECTIVE TO DISPLACE SAID SLIDE INCREMENTALLY UPON ACTUATION AND SAID PUNCH POSITIONING KEY BEING EFFECTIVE TO DISPLACE SAID SLIDE INCREMENTALLY UPON ACTUATION WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY DIRECTING A SELECTED PERFORATOR PROXIMATE SAID PATTERN SHEET FOR SUBSEQUENT 